Umbrella holder and shovel combination

ABSTRACT

The presently claimed invention recites an apparatus and method for anchoring an umbrella in the ground via a combination digging and anchoring base. The umbrella anchoring device is comprised of a base with a first end, a second end and a middle portion disposed between the first and second ends. The first end of the base is configured to allow a human hand to grip the first end, while the second end is fitted with a blade that can be used for digging in the ground. The middle portion of the base includes an aperture that has a dimension larger than the lower portion of an umbrella pole which allows the lower portion of an umbrella pole to pass through the aperture of the middle portion of the base, thereby anchoring the umbrella in the ground.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority to and is a divisional application of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/366,714, filed Mar. 2, 2006 (D2160-00009), the entirety of which is hereby incorporated by reference herein.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention generally relates to the field of outdoor umbrellas and more particularly to a combination umbrella digging and anchoring method and device. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

When spending extended periods of time outdoors, people often employ the use of umbrellas to protect themselves from the harsh effects of the elements. Some utilize umbrellas to protect themselves from a plethora of different weather conditions, whether its using an umbrella to keep dry during a rain storm or using an umbrella to provide shade and respite during a hot sunny day. Regardless of the type of weather condition encountered, umbrellas allow people to create a portable and temporary area of protection.

Umbrellas come in a variety of different shapes and sizes, but almost all types of umbrellas are made by stretching a fabric or other material over a wire frame, with the wire frame usually being retractable. The most prevalent umbrella type is the portable umbrella, which is used often in inclement weather conditions. Another common umbrella type is the “outdoor” umbrella, which is typically larger than the portable umbrella, and is used by individuals at the beach, at the countryside, or any other suitable outdoor venue. Outdoor umbrellas generally consist of a retractable umbrella top attached to a pole. Unlike portable umbrellas, which are supported by a user's hand, outdoor umbrellas generally receive support via inserting the bottom portion of the umbrella pole into the ground. Inserting and anchoring the umbrella into the ground permits the individual to relax under the protective shade of the outdoor umbrella without having to spend needless energy physically holding the outdoor umbrella for an extended period of time.

Generally, an umbrella pole is inserted into the ground by exerting a strong enough downward force on the pole so as to drive the pole deep enough below the ground surface to properly secure and support the weight of the upper umbrella portion. This is accomplished in a variety of different ways, from the user physically driving the pole into the ground, to the user employing a separate shoveling device to dig a hole in the ground and then inserting the umbrella pole into the hole.

Properly inserting an outdoor umbrella pole in the ground, however, is not without its difficulties. Inserting an outdoor umbrella pole ground can be time consuming and require an inordinate amount of physical exertion. Given the types of terrain an individual may encounter, whether it be sand, gravel, soil, rock, clay, or any other such composition, a user may experience great difficulty delving deep enough into the ground to adequately support the upper umbrella portion. Moreover, improperly inserting the umbrella pole into the ground creates the risk that the umbrella may tip over under its own weight or that breezy conditions or sudden wind gusts may rip the umbrella up and out of the ground.

For example, it is not uncommon for individuals to bring outdoor umbrellas to a beach. Beachgoers typically spend large portions of the day lounging by a body of water. Given the danger of long term exposure to the sun, most beach goers will spend a good amount of time sitting beneath the protective shade of an umbrella rather than sitting directly under the sun. For this reason, it is important that the beachgoer properly secure the umbrella beneath the surface of the sand. A beachgoer will typically insert an umbrella into the sand by first applying weight and pressure to the umbrella pole in an effort to drive the pole beneath the top layer of sand. If the sand is loose, it may not be difficult to place the pole at a reasonable depth in the ground. Although digging in loose sand may not be difficult, the loose sand may not be able to adequately support the weight of the umbrella. The weight of the umbrella top may cause the umbrella to tip over. Alternatively, in the case of compact sand, it may be significantly more difficult to insert the umbrella pole at a reasonable depth beneath the surface. Even in the case of compact sand, the weight of the umbrella top can still cause the umbrella to easily tip over, if there is inadequate lateral support for the base of the pole. Additionally, even if the umbrella does not tip over under its own weight, shallow insertion into the sand or inadequate anchoring leaves the umbrella vulnerable to being ripped from the ground by wind and breezes. Both cases present added inconvenience to the user trying to position the umbrella to obtain shade. There is therefore a great need for a device that enables an umbrella user to easily dig into the ground surface and then securely anchor the umbrella pole in the ground.

There have been several attempts in the prior art to develop umbrella anchoring devices that can easily be inserted into the earth and that provide maximum support for the upper umbrella portion. One such attempt to resolve the above described problems is provided in U.S. Pat. No. 5,122,014 to Genfan. The Genfan patent discloses an anchoring device for beach umbrellas that utilizes a pole equipped with a sharp pointed end fitted with propeller like blades attached to the sides of the pole. The device disclosed by Genfan includes a handle that enables a user to repeatedly rotate the pole in either a clockwise or counter clockwise motion in an effort to drill a hole in the sand. Although the Genfan device makes it easier for an individual to dig a hole, it still has its deficiencies. Carrying the sharp pointed pole end equipped with propeller-like blades is both cumbersome and dangerous. The device disclosed by Genfan would not be the device of choice for individuals with small children, as the pointed end presents a potentially dangerous and hazardous condition. There is a danger of an individual inadvertently impaling themselves or others, or causing great injury via contact with the sharp pointed end. Moreover, even though the Genfan device makes digging in the ground easier, it still fails to adequately provide much needed lateral stability for the umbrella top. Once inserted in the ground, the Genfan device does not include much lateral support or footing to adequately support the rest of the umbrella pole. There is nothing that prevents the umbrella top from being uprooted or being rendered askew by a wind gust, for example. Because the Genfan apparatus does not properly provide a means for anchoring the umbrella once the pole is inserted in the ground, it fails to solve the prior art problem of maintaining stability and support.

A similar attempt to the Genfan patent is found in U.S. Pat. No. 6,715,503 to Brooks. The Brooks patent discloses an umbrella with an integral anchoring structure affixed to the side of the poles. The Brooks' device includes a spiral drill like bit disposed at the bottom end of the umbrella pole. Just as with the Genfan patent, the sharp drilling bit at the end of the pole found in Brooks is not advantageous. The spear-like end makes transporting the device difficult and cumbersome and potentially dangerous for young and old users alike.

Another approach that avoids the consequences of the sharp pointed end disclosed by the Genfan and Brooks patents is provided in U.S. Pat. No. 5,271,196 to Fanti. The Fanti patent discloses a stabilizer retention device for beach umbrellas. The device disclosed by Fanti utilizes a plate-like structure attached to the lower end of a beach umbrella pole. The plate-like structure provides lateral support to the umbrella pole once the plate-like structure is buried beneath the ground. Although the Fanti patent attempts to stabilize the umbrella top, it nonetheless fails to provide any means of aiding a user in digging beneath the ground surface. A individual utilizing the Fanti device still needs to utilize a separate digging device to dig a hole with a diameter large enough to accommodate the circumference of the plate-like foot structure. This is both time consuming and inefficient for the user.

Another such effort to provide lateral support for the footing of an umbrella pole is found in U.S. Pat. No. 6,354,554 to Hollenbeck. The device disclosed by Hollenbeck provides a beach umbrella support stand comprised of a planar platform fitted with an aperture that clamps around the bottom of the umbrella pole. Just as with the invention disclosed by Fanti, the invention disclosed by Hollenbeck does not include a digging device, and has the added inconvenience of the user providing an additional tool for digging a hole large enough to fit the planar platform. In addition, the pole must be inserted and clamped into the aperture. Inserting and clamping the pole into the platform aperture is difficult, however, because the user must first dig a hole large enough to hold the platform, and then insert the pole into the aperture while the platform rests in the hole. This requires the user to lean down and into the hole, clear away any loose soil that may be blocking the aperture, lower down and insert the pole into the aperture opening, and then clamp the pole before covering the platform with displaced soil. The process is both time consuming and difficult, and requires far too many steps for the user to undertake to reach the desired end result.

Yet another approach that departs from previous prior art attempts is provided in U.S. Pat. No. 6,036,161 to O'Shea. The invention disclosed by O'Shea utilizes a sand bar system for supporting an umbrella. The device described by O'Shea is comprised of two lateral support bars positioned at the lower end of the umbrella pole. The support bars rest at two different planes on the umbrella pole, and lay in opposite directions so as to provide maximum bi-lateral support for the umbrella. While the O'Shea apparatus provides better lateral support than previous prior art efforts, it nonetheless fails to provide an adequate means of actually digging through the soil. The invention disclosed in O'Shea still necessitates the arduous task of manually digging a hole large enough to house the lateral support bars. A user needs to carry and provide some sort of digging device to create the hole in the ground into which the device is placed and then buried.

In reviewing the breadth of available pertinent art, it is clear there is a need for an umbrella anchoring device that can be buried beneath the ground with little to no effort and that provides sufficient lateral support to resist uprooting from the umbrella's weight or weather elements yet still is convenient and safe to transport by the end user. The presently claimed invention addresses each of these needs.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In view of the foregoing disadvantages inherent in the prior art, the present invention provides an improved method and apparatus for anchoring an umbrella in the ground. The present invention essentially comprises an umbrella anchoring device that has a base with a first end, a second end and a middle portion disposed between the first and second ends. The first end of the base is configured to allow a human hand to grip the first end, while the second end is fitted with a blade that can be used for digging in the ground. The middle portion of the base includes an aperture that has a dimension that is larger than the lower portion of an umbrella pole, thereby allowing the lower portion of an umbrella pole to pass through the aperture included in the middle portion of the base.

The biggest advantage of the presently claimed umbrella anchoring device is that the base provides all the necessary tools to anchor an umbrella properly in the ground and does not require a user to utilize multiple tools and components to anchor an umbrella. The base of the presently claimed invention is equipped with a hand grip on one end, and a blade for digging on the other end, which facilitates the digging process. Moreover, because the base is equipped with a means of passing an umbrella pole through the base, the base can be placed in the ground to provide lateral support for the umbrella pole and umbrella top. This helps the umbrella withstand encountered weather conditions and ensures the umbrella will remain anchored in the ground. The base of the presently claimed invention overcomes the deficiencies of the prior art, in that it is easy to carry, does not require the user to carry multiple components or digging tools, and does not present any dangerous or hazardous conditions to the end user or others.

In addition to the presently claimed invention comprising a device for anchoring an umbrella in the ground, the presently claimed invention also discloses a method of anchoring an umbrella in the ground, comprising the steps of providing an umbrella anchoring device that includes a base having a first end, a second end, and a middle portion disposed between the first and second ends. The first end of the base is configured to allow a human hand to grip the first end, while the second end is fitted with a blade that can be used for digging in the ground. The middle portion of the base includes an aperture that has a circumference that is greater than the circumference of the lower portion of an umbrella pole, thereby allowing the lower portion of an umbrella pole to pass through the aperture included in the middle portion of the base. In anchoring an umbrella in the ground, a user grips the base via the first end and applying the blade of the second end, digs into the ground, creating a cavity in the ground which is at least large enough for the base to fit within the cavity. The base is placed in the cavity and the lower portion of an umbrella pole is inserted through the aperture of the middle portion of the base.

The method described above is advantageous, because it allows a user to implement the base to both dig in the ground and to use the base as a means of providing lateral support to an umbrella pole. The presently claimed invention is a vast improvement over prior art methods of anchoring an umbrella, in that the base can be used as a digging device as well as a support device. Other prior art methods have failed to address both aspects when attempting to anchor an umbrella in the ground, and have required users to carry multiple different tools or have required the use of potentially dangerous digging apparatus.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

These and other features and advantages of the present invention will be more fully disclosed in the following detailed description of the preferred embodiment of the invention, which is to be considered together with the accompanying drawings wherein:

FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of an umbrella being supported by the umbrella digging and anchoring base according to the teachings of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a top perspective view of an embodiment of the umbrella digging and anchoring base according to the teachings of the present invention;

FIG. 3 is a top perspective view of an alternative embodiment of the umbrella digging and anchoring base according to the teachings of the present invention;

FIG. 4 is a front perspective view of a user utilizing the umbrella digging and anchoring base to dig beneath the ground surface;

FIG. 5 is a top perspective view of an alternative embodiment of the umbrella digging and anchoring base utilizing a jagged edge digging means;

FIG. 6 is a top perspective view of an alternative embodiment of the umbrella digging and anchoring base utilizing a rounded blade digging means;

FIG. 7 is a top plan view of an embodiment of the umbrella digging and anchoring base according to the teachings of the present invention;

FIG. 8 is a right side elevational view of an embodiment of the umbrella digging and anchoring base according to the teachings of FIG. 7;

FIG. 9 is a magnified view of an embodiment of the umbrella digging and anchoring base of FIG. 7; and

FIG. 10 is a partial side cross-sectional view of an umbrella pole as it passes through the umbrella base of FIG. 7 and rests in the ground surface.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

This description of preferred embodiments is intended to be read in connection with the accompanying drawings, which are to be considered part of the entire written description of this invention. The drawing figures are not necessarily to scale and certain features of the invention may be shown exaggerated in scale or in somewhat schematic form in the interest of clarity and conciseness. In the description, relative terms such as “horizontal,” “vertical,” “up,” “down,” “top” and “bottom” as well as derivatives thereof (e.g., “horizontally,” “vertically,” “downwardly,” “upwardly,” etc.) should be construed to refer to the orientation as then described or as shown in the drawing figure under discussion. These relative terms are for convenience of description and normally are not intended to require a particular orientation. Terms including “inwardly” versus “outwardly,” “longitudinal” versus “lateral” and the like are to be interpreted relative to one another or relative to an axis of elongation, or an axis or center of rotation, as appropriate. Terms concerning attachments, coupling and the like, such as “connected” and “interconnected,” refer to a relationship wherein structures are secured or attached to one another either directly or indirectly through intervening structures, as well as both movable or rigid attachments or relationships, unless expressly described otherwise. The term “operatively connected” is such an attachment, coupling or connection that allows the pertinent structures to operate as intended by virtue of that relationship. In the claims, means-plus-function clauses, if used, are intended to cover the structures described, suggested, or rendered obvious by the written description or drawings for performing the recited function, including not only structural equivalents but also equivalent structures.

FIG. 1 presents an overview of how the presently claimed invention operates. FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an umbrella 100 being supported and held in the ground surface 300 via the combination digging and anchoring umbrella base 200 disclosed by the presently claimed invention. Umbrella 100 is comprised of an umbrella top 10 and a supporting umbrella pole 20. Typically, an umbrella top is comprised of a series of spines that radiate from the center of the umbrella, forming a frame structure. A pliable material, such as a water resistant fabric, is then stretched over and supported by the frame structure, thereby providing protection from the elements. In FIG. 1, the supporting umbrella pole 20 is further broken down into two parts, an upper supporting umbrella pole 20 a and a lower supporting umbrella pole 20 b, but the presently claimed invention can also be used in conjunction with supporting umbrella poles that are comprised of a single piece or supporting umbrella poles that have more than two components. In this particular embodiment, the upper umbrella supporting pole 20 a is adapted to receive, or includes, an umbrella top 10 and lower supporting umbrella pole 20 b is connected to the digging and anchoring umbrella base 200 via aperture 240. The upper umbrella supporting pole 20 a and the lower supporting umbrella pole 20 b are connected via a means of connecting 30. Such means for connecting the upper umbrella supporting pole 20 a with the lower supporting umbrella pole 20 b include, without limitation, pins, such as cotter or hitch pins, etc., snap buttons or any other coupling means typically used in the art.

The digging and anchoring umbrella base 200 operates by allowing a user to grip base 200 using hand grips 210, 220, or 230 to dig a hole beneath ground surface 300 via flat blade 250 of base 200. When a hole is dug beneath ground surface 300, the base 200 is placed in the hole in ground surface 300. The supporting umbrella pole 20 is lowered into aperture 240 of base 200, which provides proper lateral support for umbrella 100 to withstand wind gusts or other such elements. In FIG. 1, the digging and anchoring umbrella base 200 is depicted above ground surface 300, but can also be buried beneath ground surface 300 to provide extra support for umbrella 100. By creating a combination digging and anchoring umbrella base 200, our invention allows a user to transport a single apparatus that can be used to dig a hole and provide lateral support.

Now that an understanding of the general means by which the invention operates has been disclosed, we will go into further detail as to the specific elements of the presently claimed invention. FIG. 2 provides a close up, perspective view of the digging and anchoring umbrella base 200 according to the teachings of the present invention. In this particular embodiment, digging and anchoring umbrella base 200 is equipped with a handle grip 210 disposed at the top end 205 of the digging and anchoring umbrella base 200. In addition, this embodiment includes supplementary handle grips 220 and 230 disposed approximately about the middle portion of the digging and anchoring umbrella base 200. The handle grips 210, 220, and 230 are used to assist the end user with holding the anchoring umbrella base 200 while in transit or in gripping the base 200 when using the base 200 to dig beneath ground surface 300. In the particular embodiment depicted in FIG. 2, handle grips 210, 220, and 230 have a rectangular shape, but the presently claimed invention can include any number of possible hand grip configurations and shapes. The hand grips can take the shape of any given polygon and can be lined with any suitable material to protect a user's hand, such as, without limitation, rubber, foam, plastics, or any other material known or used in the art to protect a user's hand while gripping. In addition, the handle grips of the presently claimed invention can be comprised of an ergonomic design that includes pre-fabricated grooves and notches that match a user's finger placement.

The presently claimed invention envisions the use of any number of handle grips and envisions any possible placement of the handle grip on the digging and anchoring umbrella base 200. In the particular embodiment depicted in FIG. 2, handle grip 210 is located approximately one inch from the top end 205 of the digging and anchoring umbrella base 200 and is disposed horizontally about the face of the digging and anchoring umbrella base 200. Handle grips 220 and 230 are located in the middle portion of the digging and anchoring umbrella base 200, approximately four inches from the top 205 of the digging and anchoring umbrella base 200, and are disposed vertically about the face of the base 200. The presently claimed invention also covers any other possible orientation and placement of the handle grips about the face of the digging and anchoring umbrella base 200. By way of example, FIG. 3 depicts an alternate embodiment of the presently claimed digging and anchoring umbrella base 200. In FIG. 3, there is only one handle grip 210 disposed at the top end 205 of the digging and anchoring umbrella base 200. There are no additional handle grips 220 and 230 disposed about the middle of the digging and anchoring umbrella base 200, as depicted in FIG. 2.

Referring to FIG. 2, digging and anchoring umbrella base 200 has an aperture 240 disposed in the middle of the base 200. For purposes of this invention, the placement of the aperture 240 on the digging and anchoring umbrella base 200 is immaterial, so long as at least one aperture is included on the digging and anchoring umbrella base 200. In this particular embodiment, the aperture 240 is adapted to receive a supporting umbrella pole 20 that has a tubular shape. A supporting umbrella pole 20 fits within the aperture 240 in such a way as to allow the supporting umbrella pole 20 to pass through the aperture 240 with little to no impediment. In addition to having an aperture 240 adapted to receive a supporting umbrella pole 20 that is preferably circular or elliptical in nature, the invention can also have various different shaped aperture openings disposed about the base 200. The aperture 240 can be configured to receive any number of different supporting umbrella pole 20 shapes and sizes. Depending on the supporting umbrella pole 20 shape, the aperture can have the shape of, without limitation, a triangle, quadrilateral, pentagon, hexagon, octagon, enneagon, decagon, or any other polygon. Regardless of the configuration of the supporting umbrella pole 20, the presently claimed invention discloses an aperture 240 configuration that will either match or accommodate the supporting umbrella pole 20 in a manner that allows the supporting umbrella pole 20 to pass through the aperture 240 disposed about the base 200 and thereby use the base 200 as lateral support once in the ground surface 300.

Referring still to FIG. 2, the digging and anchoring umbrella base 200 is equipped with a flat blade 250. The flat blade 250 is utilized by the user to dig beneath ground surface 300 via the user gripping the base 200 at any hand grip. FIG. 4 depicts a user gripping the base 200 via hand grip 210 and using the flat blade 250 to dig beneath ground surface 300. The ground surface 300 is typically comprised of any number of different soil compositions. Soil can vary widely in composition and structure depending on the location, but is characterized by unconsolidated rock particles mixed with any organic matter derived from plant or animal decay. Some examples of materials that typically constitute soil include, without limitation, sand, silt, clay, rock, humus, pebbles, gravel, any combination thereof or any other mineral typically found in soil. In the embodiment depicted in FIG. 4, the user is utilizing the flat blade 250 of base 200 to dig beneath ground surface 300 comprised primarily of sand, but the presently claimed invention enables a user to dig beneath any type of ground surface 300.

The presently claimed invention can include any means for digging beneath the ground surface 300. The invention is not limited to using the flat blade 250 depicted in FIG. 2. Alternative digging means and configurations are fully included and contemplated in the presently claimed invention. Refer, for example to FIG. 5. Instead of the flat blade 250 of FIG. 2, the embodiment depicted in FIG. 5 employs a jagged edge 250 a to dig beneath ground surface 300. Depending on the encountered type of ground surface 300, the jagged edge 250 a may prove more advantageous to the user attempting to use base 200 to dig a hole beneath the ground surface 300. Likewise, FIG. 6, shows another alternative embodiment. Instead of the flat blade 250 of FIG. 2, the base 200 of FIG. 6 has a oval shaped blade 250 b, which may prove more useful on certain types of encountered ground surfaces. There are a plethora of possible digging means that can be used in the presently claimed invention including, without limitation, shovels, tines, spades, hoes, augers, or any other means typically used in the art to dig beneath the ground. The presently claimed invention also contemplates the use of a base 200 that is adapted to receive any number of different possible digging means. The digging means can be interchangeable, and can allow the user to choose which digging means is appropriate for a given ground surface and then being able to attach the appropriate digging means to the end of the base 200. The device can be sold in a kit, complete with interchangeable digging means that a user can carry in a pouch or other such carrying means.

Focusing on the configuration of the digging and anchoring umbrella base 200, FIG. 7 depicts an overhead view of digging and anchoring umbrella base 200. In this particular embodiment, the base 200 is comprised of a single piece, but can be comprised of multiple components that can be taken apart to facilitate ease of transport and then reconnected again once the user requires the apparatus for digging beneath the ground and providing lateral support for an umbrella pole. For example, top end 205 and flat blade 250 can be separate components that can be removed and reattached to the rest of the umbrella base. This allows the base to become more compact, which is useful for storage and transport purposes. The ability to interchange various parts of the base 200 would also allow the user to replace any parts of the base that may break or become worn over time.

Referring to FIG. 7, the digging and anchoring umbrella base 200 has a rectangular shape. FIG. 8 depicts a side front view of the rectangular embodiment of the digging and anchoring umbrella base 200. In addition to having a rectangular shape, the digging and anchoring umbrella base 200 can be comprised of any number of possible shapes. For example, umbrella base 200 can have, without limitation, a circular shape, an elliptical shape, a square shape, a trapezoidal shape, or any other polygonal shape. In addition to the base being able to have any number of possible shapes, the base 200 can also be comprised of any such material useful in both digging and anchoring. Polymeric materials useful for all or some of the components of this invention include, without limitation, plastics, thermoplastics (crystalline or non-crystalline, cross-linked or non-cross-linked), thermosetting resins, elastomers, or composites thereof. This invention can also be comprised of non-conductive metals, metal alloys, ceramics, wood, wood-plastic composites, plastic-glass fiber reinforced composites, or any other material suitable for digging beneath the ground surface and/or supporting the weight of an umbrella.

Referring to FIG. 9, depicted is a perspective view of the lower portion of supporting umbrella pole 20 inserted into ground surface 300 via aperture 240 of the base 200. In this embodiment, part of the base 200 is submerged beneath ground surface 300, which provides additional support for the weight of the umbrella and additional support from weather elements. FIG. 10 illustrates a side cut away view of supporting umbrella pole 20 as it passes through aperture 240 and rests in ground surface 300. At the bottom of the supporting umbrella pole 20 of FIG. 10 is connecting means 400, by which the supporting umbrella pole 20 is connected to the digging and anchoring umbrella base 200. The connecting means 400 can be a separate piece or pieces or can be temporarily or permanently attached to the umbrella pole. In this particular embodiment, a snap button is used to secure the supporting umbrella pole 20 to the base 200. For purposes of the invention, the supporting umbrella pole 20 can be secured to the base 200 at any point, below, above, or at the ground level. While a snap button is used in this particular embodiment as the connecting means 400, connecting means 400 can take any number of forms, including, without limitation, pins, buttons, or any other connecting means commonly used in the art of connecting.

It is to be understood that the present invention is by no means limited only to the particular constructions herein disclosed and shown in the drawings, but also comprises any modifications or equivalents within the scope of the claims. 

1. A method of anchoring an umbrella in the ground, comprising the following steps: (a) providing an umbrella comprising a tubular body having an upper portion and a lower portion; (b) providing an umbrella anchoring device comprising a base having a first end, a second end, and a middle portion disposed between said first and second ends, said first end including a first handle grip capable of being gripped by a human hand, said second end including a blade for digging, and said middle portion including a first aperture defining a second handle grip capable of being gripped by a human hand and a second aperture being larger than a first dimension of said lower portion of said tubular body and capable of receiving said lower portion of said tubular body; (c) gripping said first and second handle grips; (d) applying said blade to dig into the ground so as to create a cavity therein, said cavity being at least large enough for said base to fit within said cavity; (e) inserting said lower portion of said tubular body through said second aperture in said middle portion of said base; and (f) burying said base within said cavity.
 2. The method of claim 1, wherein said lower portion of said tubular body comprises a means for connecting said lower portion to said base.
 3. The method of claim 1, wherein said means for connecting said lower portion of said tubular body to said base comprises at least one of a cotter pin, a hitch pin, and a snap button.
 4. The method of claim 1, wherein said second end includes a spade for digging.
 5. The method of claim 1, wherein said second end includes a jagged blade for digging.
 6. The method of claim 1, wherein said second end includes at least one tine for digging.
 7. The method of claim 1, wherein said second end includes a hoe for digging.
 8. The method of claim 1, wherein said second end includes an auger for digging.
 9. A method of anchoring an umbrella in the ground, comprising the following steps: (a) providing an umbrella comprising a tubular body having an upper portion and a lower portion; (b) providing an umbrella anchoring device comprising a base including a first end, a second end, and a middle portion disposed between said first and second ends, wherein said first end includes a first handle grip capable of being gripped by a human hand, said second end includes a blade for digging, and said middle portion includes a second handle grip capable of being gripped by a human hand wherein said second handle grip is defined by a first aperture in said middle portion, and a second aperture being larger than a first dimension of said lower portion of said tubular body and capable of receiving said lower portion of said tubular body; (c) gripping said first handle grip and said second handle grip and applying said blade to dig into the ground so as to create a cavity therein, said cavity being at least large enough for said base to fit within said cavity; (d) inserting said lower portion of said tubular body through said second aperture in said middle portion of said base; and (e) burying said base within said cavity.
 10. The method of claim 9, wherein said lower portion of said tubular body comprises a connecting means for connecting said lower portion to said base.
 11. The method of claim 10 further comprising the step of (f) connecting said lower portion of said tubular body to said base via said connecting means.
 12. The method of claim 11 wherein said connecting means comprises a snap button. 